'I won't let bitterness destroy us'

Thursday 17 January 2008 00:05 BST

The mother of murdered schoolboy Jimmy Mizen has vowed she will not let bitterness destroy her family.

Arriving at a memorial service for the popular rugby-playing teenager, Margaret Mizen spoke of how her faith had given her strength. She urged people not to blame the family of the suspect in Jimmy's killing.

"Anger breeds anger, and bitterness will destroy my family if I'm not careful - and I won't allow that to happen," she said.

Jimmy's parents paid tribute to their son. Fighting back tears and comforting each other as they spoke, Barry and Margaret Mizen spoke of the importance of hugs and called on people to look out for each other as they dealt with their grief.

Mrs Mizen, 55, said her son was born on Cup Final Day in 1992 and described him as a "gorgeous baby".

Mr and Mrs Mizen arrived at the Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Lee, south-east London, with Jimmy's brothers and sisters. The family comforted each other and were surrounded by hundreds of friends and well-wishers.

More than 500 people packed into the church for the service and hundreds more stood outside in the pouring rain. Crying as they stood under umbrellas they listened to the prayers and hymns relayed through the speakers.

Mrs Mizen said that her sister had recently summed up Jimmy by describing him as "every mother's perfect son". She said her faith had helped her: "Without the faith I have I would not be standing here now - I would be crumbling." She added: "The whole community have rallied around and I'm just so blessed."

Mr Mizen, 56, put his hand on his wife's back and fought back tears as he spoke. Mr Mizen thanked people for attending the service, for sending messages of support, and the police.

Mr Mizen said that donations they have received will go to the scout minibus appeal and the bus will be called the Jimmy bus.